Quench Detection Method for Large Superconducting Magnets Using Robust MEMS Acoustic Sensor Arrays
- Tufts Univ., Medford, MA (United States)
- Tanner Research, Inc., Duarte, CA (United States)
- Massachusetts Inst. of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA (United States)
We propose to develop a new, low-cost, low-power-consumption method to detect a quench in a superconducting magnet utilizing an acoustic/pressure sensor technique based on micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) sensors. The method uses acoustic MEMS sensors, built into a sensor array, to allow detection and diagnosis of abrupt changes of a superconductor in real time. In addition, this technique allows for an accurate identification of the location of the incident. The quench detection proposed will be particularly attractive for fusion magnet Cable-In-Conduit Conductors (CICC) made with high temperature superconductor (HTS) such as Rare Earth Barium Copper Oxide (REBCO) tapes. The array of acoustic sensors is installed in a channel along the superconducting cable and detects a quench by sensing the abrupt conductor temperature changes which produce an acoustic signature propagating in the coolant (gas or liquid). In the Phase II work proposed, we will first require functional-integration of existing commercial MEMS sensors having been developed during Phase-I, and new sensors which will be developed in Phase II, with cryogenic amplifiers, appropriate signal conditioning and communications electronics, and system packaging for deployment to cryogenic environments. Experimental evaluations of the developed sensors will be conducted using HTS tapes and the short cables. Our aims will demonstrate quench detections in liquid nitrogen and in helium gas at various temperatures down to 20 K using a cryocooler. We will conduct further investigations of the new sensors and their arrays for a quench-detection capability, including quench detections for the localization in a ~10-meter-long liquid nitrogen and helium gas coolant flow system with a REBCO cable at 77 K.
- Research Organization:
- Tanner Research, Inc., Duarte, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Renewable Power Office. Solar Energy Technologies Office; USDOE Energy Information Administration (EIA); USDOE Office of Enterprise Assessments (EA); USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Office of Sustainable Transportation. Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO); USDOE Office of Science (SC)
- DOE Contract Number:
- SC0019905
- OSTI ID:
- 1994210
- Type / Phase:
- STTR (Phase II)
- Report Number(s):
- DE0019905
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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